Surgical forceps

ABSTRACT

A surgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a proximal portion having a handle at a proximal end thereof and a distal portion having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The proximal and distal portions are pivotable between an aligned position and an angled position. A second shaft member includes a jaw member at a distal end thereof and a handle at a proximal end thereof. The shaft members are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. The proximal portion of the first shaft member is pivoted relative to the distal portion of the first shaft member from the aligned position to the angled position upon movement of the first and second shaft members towards the spaced-apart position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 14/176,341, filed on Feb. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/822,047, filed onMay 10, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices and, moreparticularly, to hemostat-style surgical forceps for grasping, treating,and cutting tissue.

Background of Related Art

A surgical forceps is a plier-like device which relies on mechanicalaction between its jaws to grasp, clamp, and constrict tissue.Energy-based surgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping actionand energy to affect hemostasis by heating tissue to coagulate and/orcauterize tissue. Certain surgical procedures require more than simplycauterizing tissue and rely on the unique combination of clampingpressure, precise energy control and gap distance (i.e., distancebetween opposing jaw members when closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue.Typically, once tissue is sealed, the surgeon has to accurately severthe tissue along the newly formed tissue seal. Accordingly, many tissuesealing devices have been designed which incorporate a knife or blademember which effectively severs the tissue after forming a tissue seal.More recently, tissue sealing devices have incorporated energy-basedcutting features for energy-based tissue division.

With respect to hemostat-style surgical forceps for use in relativelydeep openings and/or in confined spaces, longer shaft members providethe surgeon with the ability to reach the target tissue. However, as thelengths of the shaft members increase, so does the range of motionrequired to open and close the jaw members.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described hereinmay be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspectsdescribed herein.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a surgical forcepsis provided. the surgical forceps includes a first shaft member and asecond shaft member. The first shaft member includes a proximal portionhaving a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof, and a distal portionhaving a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The proximal anddistal portions are pivotably coupled to one another and are pivotablerelative to one another between an aligned position, wherein theproximal and distal portions cooperate to define a substantially linearconfiguration, and an angled position, wherein the proximal portion isangled relative to the distal portion. The second shaft member includesa jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at aproximal end thereof. The first and second shaft members are pivotablycoupled to one another towards the distal end of the distal portion ofthe first shaft member and the distal end of the second shaft member andare pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to oneanother between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissuetherebetween. The proximal portion of the first shaft member is pivotedrelative to the distal portion of the first shaft member from thealigned position to the angled position upon movement of the first andsecond shaft members towards the spaced-apart position.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, in the angled position, theproximal portion of the first shaft member is angled towards the secondshaft member to decrease a distance between the handles of the first andsecond shaft members.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a stop member is disposedon one of the proximal and distal portions of the first shaft member.The stop member is configured to inhibit pivoting of the proximalportion away from the second shaft member beyond the aligned position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the handlesdefines a finger hole therethrough.

In still another aspects of the present disclosure, a locking mechanismis disposed on the first shaft member. The locking mechanism isconfigured to selectively lock the proximal and distal portions of thefirst shaft member in the aligned position.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, one or both ofthe jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy forconducting energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members totreat tissue. In such aspects, one of the shaft members may furtherinclude an activation button positioned to oppose the other shaft membersuch that energy is supplied to the at least one jaw member uponmovement of the shaft members to the approximated position.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, another surgicalforceps is provided that include a first jaw member having a distal jawbody and a proximal jaw flange extending proximally from the distal jawbody. The proximal jaw flange includes an extension portion having atransverse pin extending therethrough. A first shaft member is alsoprovided. The first shaft member has a handle disposed at a proximal endthereof and includes a distal end defining an opening and one or moreslots adjacent the opening. The extension portion of the proximal jawflange extends into the opening and the transverse pin is disposedwithin the slot(s). The transverse pin is movable from a first end ofthe slot(s), wherein the first shaft member and the extension portioncooperate to define a substantially linear configuration, to a secondend of the slot(s), wherein the first shaft member is angled relative tothe extension portion. A second shaft member including a jaw memberdisposed at a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal endthereof is also provided. The jaw member of the second shaft member ispivotably coupled to the jaw member of the first shaft member. The firstand second shaft members are pivotable relative to one another between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jawmembers relative to one another between an open position and a closedposition to grasp tissue therebetween. The first shaft member is movedfrom the first end of the slot(s) towards the second end of the slot(s)upon movement of the first and second shaft members towards thespaced-apart position.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, in the angled position, thehandle of the first shaft member is angled towards the second shaftmember to decrease a distance between the handles of the first andsecond shaft members.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the handles definesa finger hole therethrough.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a linkage is coupledbetween the first and second shaft members. In such aspects, the linkagemay be pivotably coupled to one of the shaft members and coupled to theother shaft member via a slot-pin engagement. Further still, the linkagemay be configured such that, in the approximated position of the shaftmembers, the linkage is disposed in an angled position, and such that,in the spaced-apart position of the shaft members, the linkage isdisposed in a substantially vertical position.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one or both of thejaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for conductingenergy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to treat tissue.In such aspects, one of the shaft members may further include anactivation button positioned to oppose the other shaft member such thatenergy is supplied to the at least one jaw member upon movement of theshaft members to the approximated position.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, another surgicalforceps is provided that includes first and second shaft members, eachincluding a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and a handledisposed at a proximal end thereof. The first and second shaft membersare pivotably coupled to one another towards the distal ends thereof andare pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to oneanother between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissuetherebetween. The handles of the first and second shaft members extendinwardly towards one another and are longitudinally offset relative toone another.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, each shaft member defines anouter dimension along an outwardly-facing side thereof. The handles ofthe respective shaft members are fully disposed within the respectiveouter dimensions.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the shaft membersdefines a recess configured to at least partially receive the handle ofthe other shaft member upon movement of the shaft members to theapproximated position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, one or both of the jawmembers is adapted to connect to a source of energy for conductingenergy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to treat tissue.In such aspects, one of the shaft members may further include anactivation button positioned to oppose the other shaft member such thatenergy is supplied to the at least one jaw member upon movement of theshaft members to the approximated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are describedherein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a forceps provided in accordance withthe present disclosure, configured for grasping, treating, andelectrically cutting tissue;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another forceps provided in accordancewith the present disclosure, configured for grasping, treating, andmechanically cutting tissue;

FIG. 2A is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of the forceps of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of the forceps of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A is a side view of another forceps provided in accordance withthe present disclosure, wherein jaw members of the end effector assemblyof the forceps are disposed in a closed position;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the forceps of FIG. 3A, wherein the jawmembers are disposed in an open position;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as “3C” inFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of another forceps provided in accordance withthe present disclosure, wherein jaw members of the end effector assemblyof the forceps are disposed in a closed position;

FIG. 4B is a enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as “4B” inFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the forceps of FIG. 4A, wherein the jaw memberare disposed in an open position;

FIG. 4D is a enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as “4D” inFIG. 4C; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of another forceps provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, two embodiments of hemostat-style surgicalforceps configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure ina variety of surgical procedures are shown generally identified byreference numerals 10 and 10′, respectively, although it is contemplatedthat any other suitable surgical device may be utilized in accordancewith the present disclosure. Obviously, different electrical andmechanical connections and considerations apply to each particular typeof device, however, the aspects and features of the present disclosureremain generally consistent regardless of the particular device used.

Referring to FIG. 1A, forceps 10 is shown including two elongated shaftmembers 12 a and 12 b each having a distal end 14 a and 14 b and aproximal end 16 a and 16 b, respectively. End effector assembly 100,including opposing jaw members 110, 120, is attached to distal ends 14 aand 14 b of shaft members 12 a and 12 b, respectively. A pivot pin 103is interdisposed between shaft members 12 a, 12 b and the respective jawmembers 110, 120 thereof such that shaft members 12 a, 12 b may bepivoted relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position to effect movement of jaw members 110, 120relative to one another between an open position and a closed position,respectively, for grasping tissue therebetween.

Each shaft member 12 a, 12 b includes a handle 17 a, 17 b disposed atthe proximal end 16 a, 16 b thereof. Each handle 17 a, 17 b defines afinger hole 18 a, 18 b therethrough for receiving a finger of the user.As can be appreciated, finger holes 18 a, 18 b facilitate movement ofshaft members 12 a, 12 b relative to one another to, in turn, pivot jawmembers 110, 120 from the open position to the closed position forgrasping tissue therebetween.

One of shaft members 12 a, 12 b, e.g., shaft member 12 a, includes aproximal shaft connector 19 configured to connect forceps 10 to a sourceof energy, e.g., a generator (not shown). Proximal shaft connector 19secures a cable 8 to forceps 10 such that the user may selectivelysupply energy, e.g., electrosurgical energy, to jaw members 110, 120 fortreating, e.g., sealing, tissue and for energy-based tissue cutting.More specifically, a first activation assembly 80 is provided forsupplying energy to jaw members 110, 120 to treat tissue upon sufficientapproximation of shaft members 12 a, 12 b, e.g., upon activation ofactivation button 82 via shaft member 12 b. A second activation assembly84 including a selectively depressible activation button 86 is providedone of the shaft members 12 a, 12 b, e.g., shaft member 12 b, forselectively supplying energy, e.g., electrosurgical energy, to either orboth of jaw members 110, 120 for energy-based tissue cutting.

With additional reference to FIG. 2A, end effector assembly 100 offorceps 10 includes first and second jaw members 110, 120, eachincluding a proximal flange portion 111 a, 121 a, a distal jaw portion111 b, 121 b, an outer insulative jaw housing 112, 122, and atissue-contacting plate 114, 124, respectively. Proximal flange portions111 a, 121 a of jaw members 110, 120 are pivotably coupled to oneanother about pivot pin 103 for moving jaw members 110, 120 between theopen and closed positions upon movement of shaft members 12 a, 12 bbetween the spaced-apart and approximated positions. Proximal flangeportions 111 a, 121 a may be fixedly engaged, integrally formed,releasably engaged, or otherwise or secured to respective shaft members12 a, 12 b. Distal jaw portions 111 b, 121 b of jaw members 110, 120 areconfigured to support jaw housings 112, 122, and tissue-contactingplates 114, 124, respectively, thereon. Further, one of the jaw members110, 120, e.g., jaw members 120, includes an energy-based cutting member130 disposed thereon, as will be described in greater detail below.

Tissue-contacting plates 114, 124 are formed from an electricallyconductive material, e.g., for conducting electrical energy therebetweenfor treating tissue, although tissue-contacting plates 114, 124 mayalternatively be configured to conduct any suitable energy throughtissue grasped therebetween for energy-based tissue treatment, e.g.,tissue sealing. Energy-based cutting member 130 is likewise formed froman electrically conductive material, e.g., for conducting electricalenergy between energy-based cutting member 130 and one or both oftissue-contacting plates 114, 124 for electrically cutting tissue,although energy-based cutting member 130 may alternatively be configuredto conduct any suitable energy through tissue for electrically cuttingtissue.

Tissue-contacting plates 114, 124 are coupled to activation switch 82and the source of energy (not shown) such that energy, e.g.,electrosurgical energy, may be selectively supplied to tissue-contactingplate 114 and/or tissue-contacting plate 124 and conducted therebetweenand through tissue disposed between jaw members 110, 120 to treat, e.g.,seal, tissue in a first mode of operation. Likewise, cutting member 130is similarly coupled to activation switch 86 and the source of energy(not shown) such that energy, e.g., electrosurgical energy, may beselectively supplied to cutting member 130 and conducted through tissuedisposed between jaw members 110, 120 to either or both oftissue-contacting plates 114, 124 to cut tissue in a second mode ofoperation. A first insulating member 150 surrounds cutting member 130 toinsulate tissue-contacting plate 124 and cutting member 130 from oneanother. A second insulating member 160 disposed within a longitudinalslot defined within tissue-contacting plate 114 of jaw member 110opposes cutting member 130 to insulate cutting member 130 fromtissue-contacting plate 114 of jaw member 110 when jaw members 110, 120are disposed in the approximated position.

Turning to FIG. 1B, forceps 10′ is similar to forceps 10 (FIG. 1A) and,thus, only the differences therebetween will be described in detailbelow for purposes of brevity. Forceps 10′ generally includes twoelongated shaft members 12 a′ and 12 b′ and an end effector assembly 200including opposing jaw members 210, 220 attached at distal ends 14 a′and 14 b′ of shaft members 12 a′, 12 b′. One of the shaft members 12 a′,12 b′, e.g., shaft member 12 b′, further includes a trigger assembly 84′including a selectively actuatable trigger 86′ operably coupled to acutting member 230 (FIG. 2B) for selectively advancing cutting member230 (FIG. 2B) between jaw members 210, 220 to cut tissue graspedtherebetween. That is, forceps 10′ differs from forceps 10 (FIG. 1A) inthat forceps 10′ is configured for mechanical tissue cutting, whileforceps 10 (FIG. 1A) is configured for electrical tissue cutting.

With additional reference to FIG. 2B, end effector assembly 200 offorceps 10′ is similar to end effector assembly 100 of forceps 10 (seeFIGS. 1A and 2A) and may include any of the features of end effectorassembly 100 (FIG. 2A), except where specifically contradicted below.End effector assembly 200 includes first and second jaw members 210,220, each including a tissue-contacting plate 214, 224 and alongitudinally-extending slot 216, 226, respectively. A cutting member230 is configured for longitudinal translation through slots 216, 226 ofjaw members 210, 220, e.g., upon activation of trigger 86′, tomechanically cut tissue grasped between jaw members 210, 220.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-5, various embodiments of shaft members and/orshaft assemblies configured for use with forceps similar to forceps 10,10′ (FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively), are described in detail below. Thevarious embodiments detailed below may include any of the features offorceps 10, 10′ (FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively). Further, to the extentconsistent, any of the embodiments detailed below may include any or allof the features of any of the other embodiments detailed below. For thepurposes of brevity, similar features described above with respect toforceps 10, 10′ (FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively) or any of the otherembodiments detailed herein will only be summarily described or omittedentirely.

The various embodiments of forceps described hereinbelow areparticularly useful for surgical procedures requiring the surgeon tograsp, treat, and/or cut tissue positioned within deep openings and/orin confined spaces, although these forceps are similarly advantageousfor grasping, treating, and/or cutting tissue in a variety of othersurgical procedures. More specifically, the presently disclosedembodiments of forceps include shaft members having increased lengthsand/or extended shaft assemblies, while also including components and/orfeatures that account for the increased range of motion requirements foropening and closing jaw members associated with such increased lengthshafts and/or extended shaft assemblies.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, another embodiment of a forceps provided inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified byreference numeral 300. Forceps 300 is shown generally including a pairof elongated shaft members 312 a and 312 b an end effector assembly 3100having first and second jaw members 3110, 3120, disposed at the distalends of shaft members 312 a, 312 b. Similarly as described above, apivot pin 3103 pivotably couples shaft members 312 a, 312 b and, thus,the jaw members 3110, 3120 thereof such that shaft members 312 a, 312 bmay be pivoted relative to one another between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position to effect movement of jaw members 3110,3120 relative to one another between an open position and a closedposition, respectively, for grasping tissue therebetween.

One or both of the shaft members 312 a, 312 b, e.g., shaft member 312 a,includes a distal portion 314 a and a proximal portion 316 a that areinterconnected via a pivot assembly 320. Distal portion 314 a includesjaw member 3110 disposed at the distal end thereof and is pivotablycoupled to shaft member 312 b via pivot pin 3103. Proximal portion 316 aincludes a handle 317 a, which defines a finger hole 318 a, disposedtowards the proximal end thereof and further includes an activationassembly 380 disposed towards the proximal end thereof.

Pivot assembly 320 includes a pivot member 322 that pivotably couplesthe adjacent ends of distal and proximal portions 314 a, 316 a,respectively, to one another such that proximal portion 316 a may pivotabout pivot member 322 and relative to distal portion 314 a between analigned position, wherein shaft member 312 a defines a substantiallylinear configuration with distal and proximal portions 314 a, 316 asubstantially aligned with one another (FIG. 3A), and an angledposition, wherein shaft member 312 a defines an angled configurationwith proximal portion 316 a angled towards shaft member 312 b andrelative to distal portion 314 a (FIG. 3B).

With particular reference to FIG. 3C, in conjunction with FIGS. 3A-3B,pivot assembly 320, in some embodiments, further includes a stop member324 disposed on the adjacent end of either of distal and proximalportions 314 a, 316 a, e.g., proximal portion 316 a, for inhibitingproximal portion 316 a from pivoting about pivot member 322 relative todistal portion 314 a and away from shaft member 312 b beyond the alignedposition. Pivot member 322 may also define an internal passage 326extending therethrough to permit passage of wires 308 between distal andproximal portions 314 a, 316 a, for coupling the source of energy (notshown) and activation assembly 380 to end effector assembly 3100 (seeFIGS. 3A-3B).

In some embodiments, one of the distal and proximal portions 314 a, 316a, e.g., distal portion 314 a, of shaft member 312 a includes a lockingmechanism 340 for releasably locking proximal portion 316 a in thealigned position. Locking mechanism 340 includes a housing 342 extendingfrom distal portion 314 a adjacent pivot assembly 320. Housing 342slidably receives a locking bar 344. An actuator 346 extends through aslot 343 defined within housing 342 and is coupled to locking bar 344such that translation of actuator 346 through slot 343 effects movementof locking bar 344 between a retracted position, wherein locking bar 344is positioned distally of pivot assembly 320, and an extended position,wherein locking bar 344 extends proximally beyond pivot assembly 320 toat least partially overlap proximal portion 316 a. As can beappreciated, in the extended position, locking bar 344 and stop member324 cooperate to substantially inhibit pivoting of proximal portion 316a, thereby retaining proximal portion 316 a in the aligned position.Other suitable locking mechanisms 340 are also contemplated.

Forceps 300 is configured to enable full opening of jaw members 3110,3120 while reducing the range of motion, e.g., the distance betweenhandles 317 a, 317 b of shaft members 312 a, 312 b, respectively,required to fully open jaw members 3110, 3120. As detailed above, such afeature is advantageous for use with elongated shaft members, althoughthis feature is also advantageous in other situation, e.g., for surgeonshaving smaller hands.

Referring still to FIGS. 3A-3C, in use, in order to move jaw members3110, 3120 to the fully open position, the surgeon, with a fingerinserted through each of finger holes 318 a, 318 b of handles 317 a, 317b, respectively, moves shaft members 312 a, 312 b apart from one anotherfrom the approximated position (FIG. 3A) towards the spaced-apartposition (FIG. 3B) to pivot jaw members 3110, 3120 from the closedposition (FIG. 3A) towards the open position (FIG. 3B). As shaft members312 a, 312 b are moved further towards the spaced-apart position, e.g.,as handles 317 a, 317 b are moved further apart from one another, thesurgeon's ability to further space-apart shaft members 312 a, 312 b isconstrained by the size of the surgeon's hand and/or the surgeon'sability to spread handles 317 a, 317 b. However, pivot assembly 320,with locking bar 344 of locking mechanism 340 in the retracted position,allows proximal portion 316 a of shaft member 312 a to pivot relative todistal portion 314 a of shaft member 312 a and towards shaft member 312b from the aligned position (FIG. 3A) to the angled position (FIG. 3B)as shaft members 312 a, 312 b are moved further towards the spaced-apartposition, thereby reducing the distance between handles 317 a, 317 b andfacilitating full opening of jaw members 3110, 3120 (FIG. 3B). Where useof pivot assembly 320 is not desired, locking bar 344 of lockingmechanism 340 may be moved from the retracted position to the extendedposition to lock shaft member 312 a in the aligned position (FIG. 3A)throughout movement of shaft members 312 a, 312 b between thespaced-apart and approximated positions.

In order to move jaw members 3110, 3120 to the closed position forgrasping tissue therebetween, the surgeon moves shaft members 312 a, 312b towards one another. As shaft members 312 a, 312 b are moved furthertowards the approximated position, proximal portion 316 a of shaftmember 312 a is pivoted relative to distal portion 314 a of shaft member312 and away from shaft member 312 b from the angled position (FIG. 3B)to the aligned position (FIG. 3A) such that shaft members 312 a, 312 bmay be fully approximated and, thus, such that jaw members 3110, 3120may be fully closed about tissue grasped therebetween. Fully closing jawmembers 3110, 3120 about tissue is important in that it has been foundthat a grasping pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm² to about 16kg/cm² and a gap distance of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inchesbetween jaw members 3110, 3120 facilitates formation of an effectivetissue seal, although other ranges are also contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, another forceps provided in accordance withthe present disclosure is shown generally identified by referencenumeral 400. Forceps 400 is shown generally including a pair ofelongated shaft members 412 a, 412 b, and an end effector assembly 4100having first and second jaw members 4110, 4120, disposed at the distalends of shaft members 412 a, 412 b. Similarly as described above, apivot pin 4103 pivotably couples shaft members 412 a, 412 b and, thus,the jaw members 4110, 4120 thereof such that shaft members 412 a, 412 bmay be pivoted relative to one another between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position to effect movement of jaw members 4110,4120 relative to one another between an open position and a closedposition, respectively, for grasping tissue therebetween.

One or both of the shaft members 412 a, 412 b, e.g., shaft member 412 a,is movably coupled to its respective jaw member 4110. The other shaftmember 412 b may likewise be movably coupled to its respective jawmember 4120, or may be fixedly engaged, integrally formed, or otherwisesecured thereto. More specifically, proximal flange portion 4111 a ofjaw member 4110 includes a proximal extension 4112 including atransverse pin 4113 extending from either side thereof. Shaft member 412a defines a opening (not explicitly shown) towards the distal endthereof that is configured to receive proximal extension 4112 ofproximal flange portion 4111 a of jaw member 4110, and further definesan angled slot 414 on each opposed side wall thereof (only one of whichis shown) for receiving the portions of transverse pin 4113 extendingfrom each side of proximal extension 4112. The reverse configuration isalso contemplated, e.g., wherein flange portion 4111 a of jaw member4110 defines a pair of slots and wherein shaft member 412 a includes atransverse pin extending from both sides thereof and through the slots.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, forceps 400 further includes alinkage 440 interconnecting shaft members 412 a, 412 b proximally ofpivot pin 4103. Linkage 440 is pivotably coupled to shaft member 412 bvia a pivot pin 442 and is coupled to shaft member 412 a via a slot-pinengagement 444, although this configuration may be reversed. As shaftmembers 412 a, 412 b are moved between the spaced-apart and approximatedpositions to open and close jaw members 4110, 4120, first end 443 oflinkage 440 is pivoted about pivot pin 442 relative to shaft member 412b and second end 445 of linkage 440 is both pivoted relative to shaftmember 412 a and translated along the slot of slot-pin engagement 444 topermit such movement of shaft members 412 a, 412 b relative to oneanother. Linkage 440 provides stability and support to shaft members 412a, 412 b. However, in some embodiments, linkage 440 is not provided.

Similarly as described above with respect to forceps 300 (FIGS. 3A-3C),forceps 400 is configured to enable full opening of jaw members 4110,4120 while reducing the range of motion, e.g., the distance betweenhandles 417 a, 417 b of shaft members 412 a, 412 b, respectively,required to fully open jaw members 4110, 4120.

With shaft members 412 a, 412 b disposed in the approximated positionand, accordingly, jaw members 4110, 4120 disposed in the closedposition, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, transverse pin 4113 is disposedat first ends 415 of angled slots 414 of shaft member 412 a such thatshaft member 412 a is disposed in substantial alignment with proximalflange portion 4111 a of jaw member 4110. Further, in the approximatedposition of shaft members 412 a, 412 b, linkage 440 is disposed in anangled position.

In order to move jaw members 4110, 4120 from the closed position (FIG.4A) to the fully open position (FIG. 4B), the surgeon, with a fingerengaged with each handle 417 a, 417 b, moves shaft members 412 a, 412 bapart from one another from the approximated position (FIG. 4A) towardsthe spaced-apart position (FIG. 4B) to pivot jaw members 4110, 4120 fromthe closed position (FIG. 4A) towards the open position (FIG. 4B). Asshaft members 412 a, 412 b are moved further towards the spaced-apartposition, transverse pin 4113 is moved along slots 414 from the firstends 415 thereof (FIG. 4C) towards the second ends 416 thereof (FIG. 4D)such that shaft member 412 a is moved relative to proximal flangeportion 4111 a of jaw member 4110 from the aligned position (FIG. 4C) toan angled position (FIG. 4D), wherein shaft member 412 a is offsetrelative to proximal flange portion 4111 a of jaw member 4110 andextends towards shaft member 412 b, thereby reducing the distancebetween handles 417 a, 417 b and facilitating full opening of jawmembers 4110, 4120 (FIG. 4B). In the spaced-apart position of shaftmembers 412 a, 412 b, corresponding to the open position of jaw members4110, 4120, linkage 440 is disposed in a substantially verticalposition, as shown in FIG. 4C.

In order to move jaw members 4110, 4120 to the closed position forgrasping tissue therebetween, the surgeon moves shaft members 412 a, 412b towards one another such that, eventually, transverse pin 4113 ismoved along slots 414 from the second ends 416 back to the first ends415 thereof to return shaft member 412 a back to the aligned position,jaw members 4110, 4120 are fully closed, e.g., to grasp tissuetherebetween, and linkage 440 is moved back to the angled position.

Turning to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a forceps provided inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified byreference numeral 500. Forceps 500 is shown including two elongatedshaft members 512 a and 512 b and an end effector assembly 5100including opposing jaw members 5110, 5120 attached to distal ends 514 aand 514 b of shaft members 512 a and 512 b, respectively. Shaft members512 a, 512 b are pivotable relative to one another between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position to effect movement ofjaw members 5110, 5120 relative to one another between an open positionand a closed position, respectively, for grasping tissue therebetween.

Each shaft member 512 a, 512 b of forceps 500 includes a handle 517 a,517 b disposed at the proximal end 516 a, 516 b thereof. Each handle 517a, 517 b defines a finger hole 518 a, 518 b therethrough for receiving afinger of the user. Handles 517 a, 517 b generally define increaseddimensions as compared to the remainder of shaft members 512 a, 512 b,respectively, such that finger holes 518 a, 518 b are sufficiently largeto permit insertion of a surgeon's finger therethrough. Handles 517 a,517 b are configured such that this increased dimension extends inwardlytowards the other shaft member 512 b, 512 a, respectively. That is, theportions of shaft members 512 b, 512 a adjacent handles 517 a, 517 b onthe outwardly-facing sides thereof do not extend outwardly beyond theouter-most dimensions of shaft members 512 a, 512 b. As a result of thisconfiguration, finger holes 518 a, 518 b are positioned closer to oneanother than can be achieved where at least a portion of either or bothof handles 517 a, 517 b extend outwardly from its respective shaftmember 512 a, 512 b. Similarly as described above, such a feature isadvantageous in that it increases the surgeon's ability to move jawmembers 5110, 5120 to the fully open position.

However, although the above configuration of handles 517 a, 517 bfacilitates the surgeon's ability to fully open jaw members 5110, 5120,such an inwardly-extending handle 517 a, 517 b alone would inhibit theability to fully close jaw members 5110, 5120, e.g., to achieve anappropriate grasping pressure and/or gap distance. As such, handles 517a, 517 b of forceps 500 are longitudinally-offset relative to oneanother. That is, handle 517 a is offset proximally relative to handle517 b, thus allowing shaft members 512 a, 512 b to be fully approximatedand, accordingly, allowing jaw members 5110, 5120 to be fully closed. Itis also envisioned that this configuration be reversed, e.g., whereinhandle 517 a is offset distally relative to handle 517 b. Further, oneor both of shaft members 512 a, 512 b, e.g., shaft member 512 a, mayfurther include a recess 519 a shaped complementary orpartially-complementary to and configured to receive handle 517 b topermit further approximation of shaft members 512 a, 512 b.

The various embodiments disclosed hereinabove may additionally oralternatively be configured to work with robotic surgical systems andwhat is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employvarious robotic elements to assist the surgeon in the operating theatreand allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgicalinstrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electricand mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may bedesigned with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during thecourse of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include,remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems,remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgicalsystems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurableremotely operated surgical systems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consolesthat are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location.In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patientfor surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or moreof the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group ofsurgeons) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgicalsystem. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may performmultiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remoteconsole which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to thepatient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pairof master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by thesurgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of anytype of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes,scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of theembodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may bescaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that isdifferent, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by theoperating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may beadjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of theworking ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback tothe surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g.,tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating,pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissueimpedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeonwith enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions.The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators fordelicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing thesurgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical forceps, comprising: first and secondshaft members, each shaft member including a jaw member disposed at adistal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof, thefirst and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another towardsthe distal ends thereof and pivotable relative to one another between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jawmembers relative to one another between an open position and a closedposition to grasp tissue therebetween, the handles of the first andsecond shaft members extending inwardly towards one another andlongitudinally offset relative to one another, wherein one of the shaftmembers defines an inward-facing recess complimentarily-shaped to atleast partially receive the longitudinally offset handle of the othershaft member upon movement of the shaft members to the approximatedposition, wherein the first shaft member includes a first outer surfacedefining a first portion and a second portion, the second portionforming a first obtuse angle with the first portion, wherein the secondshaft member includes a second outer surface defining a third portionand a fourth portion, the fourth portion forming a second obtuse anglewith the third portion, and wherein the first obtuse angle islongitudinally offset from the second obtuse angle.
 2. The surgicalforceps according to claim 1, wherein each shaft member defines an outerdimension along an outwardly-facing side thereof and wherein the handlesof the respective shaft members are fully disposed within the respectiveouter dimensions.
 3. The surgical forceps according to claim 1, whereinat least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source ofenergy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the jawmembers to treat tissue.
 4. The surgical forceps according to claim 3,wherein one of the shaft members includes an activation buttonpositioned to oppose the other shaft member such that energy is suppliedto the at least one jaw member upon movement of the shaft members to theapproximated position.
 5. The surgical forceps according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the handles defines a finger hole.
 6. Thesurgical forceps according to claim 1, wherein each of the handlesdefines a finger hole, the finger holes longitudinally offset relativeto one another.
 7. A surgical forceps, comprising: first and secondshaft members, each shaft member including a jaw member disposed at adistal end portion thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal endportion thereof, the first and second shaft members pivotably coupled toone another towards the distal end portions thereof and pivotablerelative to one another between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one anotherbetween an open position and a closed position to grasp tissuetherebetween, the handles of the first and second shaft members eachdefining a finger hole, the finger holes longitudinally offset relativeto one another, wherein one of the shaft members defines aninward-facing recess complimentarily-shaped to at least partiallyreceive the longitudinally offset handle of the other shaft member uponmovement of the shaft members to the approximated position, wherein thefirst shaft member includes a first outer surface defining a firstportion and a second portion, the second portion forming a first obtuseangle with the first portion, wherein the second shaft member includes asecond outer surface defining a third portion and a fourth portion, thefourth portion forming a second obtuse angle with the third portion, andwherein the first obtuse angle is longitudinally offset from the secondobtuse angle.
 8. The surgical forceps according to claim 7, wherein thehandles extend inwardly towards one another.
 9. The surgical forcepsaccording to claim 8, wherein each shaft member defines an outerdimension along an outwardly-facing side thereof and wherein the handlesof the respective shaft members are fully disposed within the respectiveouter dimensions.
 10. The surgical forceps according to claim 7, whereinat least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source ofenergy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the jawmembers to treat tissue.
 11. The surgical forceps according to claim 10,wherein one of the shaft members includes an activation buttonpositioned to oppose the other shaft member such that energy is suppliedto the at least one jaw member upon movement of the shaft members to theapproximated position.
 12. A surgical forceps, comprising: first andsecond shaft members, each shaft member including a jaw member disposedat a distal end portion thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal endportion thereof, the first and second shaft members pivotably coupled toone another towards the distal end portions thereof and pivotablerelative to one another between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one anotherbetween an open position and a closed position to grasp tissuetherebetween, wherein one of the shaft members defines an inward facingrecess complimentarily-shaped to at least partially receive the handleof the other shaft member upon movement of the shaft members to theapproximated position, wherein the first shaft member includes a firstouter surface defining a first portion and a second portion, the secondportion forming a first obtuse angle with the first portion, wherein thesecond shaft member includes a second outer surface defining a thirdportion and a fourth portion, the fourth portion forming a second obtuseangle with the third portion, and wherein the first obtuse angle islongitudinally offset from the second obtuse angle.
 13. The surgicalforceps according to claim 12, wherein the handles extend inwardlytowards one another.
 14. The surgical forceps according to claim 12,wherein the handles are longitudinally offset relative to one another.15. The surgical forceps according to claim 12, wherein each shaftmember defines an outer dimension along an outwardly-facing side thereofand wherein the handles of the respective shaft members are fullydisposed within the respective outer dimensions.
 16. The surgicalforceps according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the jaw membersis adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energythrough tissue grasped between the jaw members to treat tissue.
 17. Thesurgical forceps according to claim 12, wherein one of the shaft membersincludes an activation button positioned to oppose the other shaftmember such that energy is supplied to the at least one jaw member uponmovement of the shaft members to the approximated position.
 18. Thesurgical forceps according to claim 12, wherein each of the handlesdefines a finger hole, the finger holes longitudinally offset relativeto one another.